Unleash the Joy!

As you may or may not know, I had a severe bout of COVID in January and was hospitalized for 36 days and intubated for 12 of them.

I lost all my muscle tone and had to learn to eat, and swallow, and walk again.
I was isolated from my family and stayed in touch via FaceTime. It was a difficult and humbling experience.
I survived this ordeal because of the love of my family and friends, the prayers of the saints, and the presence and protection of The God Who is There.

Why am I bringing it up now?

Because I lost so much this year, but gained much more.
I found I was stronger than I ever thought I could be.
I was blown away by the kindness and generosity of friends and strangers alike.
I really am the luckiest.

And now it’s December and time to send out my Christmas greetings.
One of the things I lost was the addresses of friends when my computer crashed.
(I’m going back to an old school address book from now on, but that’s not important right now.)

All that to say this:
I’m so grateful for all of you who prayed for me and cared for my family and made your love felt by your very generous actions towards us.
It’s been a difficult year, but one of the very best in many ways.
Thank you.
We are celebrating every single day because God had mercy on me and I’m so aware of the gift of friendships I’ve cultivated in my life that are still strong today.

So let me wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
Life is good, so let’s UNLEASH THE JOY!

Be Like Marta. ???